TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Cheshire Youth Baseball program is organized into five leagues: The Senior, Junior,
Instructional, Competitive and the Girls’ Softball League. The Senior League is for players
age thirteen through fifteen. The Junior League is made up of Major, Minor, Rookie 8 and
Rookie 7 Divisions, which are divisions of Babe Ruth and Cal Ripkin Baseball.

The Instructional League is made up of the Instructional Farms and T-Ball Divisions. The
Girls’ Softball League is made up of the Instructional, Farms, Majors and Senior Divisions.
The procedures and philosophies for the Farms, Majors and Senior Leagues and those of
the Girls’ Softball League are discussed in the "Girls’ Softball League Handbook for Managers and Coaches". The procedures and philosophies for the Instructional League are discussed in a separate document entitled "CYB Instructional League Handbook for Managers and Coaches". The Instructional League is intended to provide an introduction to baseball for young ball players ages five through seven.

The sole purpose of the Board of Directors, team Managers, Coaches, and supporters is to
plan, organize, equip, and maintain a recreational, competitive and instructional
baseball/softball program for Cheshire youth. All who register and meet eligibility requirements will participate.

There are separate commissioners for the Competitive and Senior leagues as well as for the Major, Minor, Rookie 8, Rookie 7, and the Instructional Farms and T-Ball divisions. The Girls’ Softball league is headed by the Girls’ Softball League Coordinator. these individuals are responsible for ensuring that baseball/softball operations are successfully carried out in accordance with League rules within their respective areas.

The Commissioners of T-Ball and Instructional Farms and the Coordinator of Baseball/Softball Education report to the Vice President while the other commissioners and the Chairman of the Girls’ Softball League are under the supervision of the League Commissioner. The Vice President and the League Commissioner report directly to the League President.

The Board of Directors of CYB has approved the following rules which, unless otherwise specified, apply to the Girl's Softball League.

Any questions and/or comments should first be directed to the appropriate director listed
on the Board of Directors page.

The list of the 2005 Board of Directors can be found on the Board of Directors page

GENERAL

1. Unless specified below, all games for the Senior League shall be played according to the most current rules established by "Babe Ruth® Softball", Trenton, NJ.

2. Changes, deletions, or additions to these rules can be made at any time by the Board of Directors.

3. Prior to the start of the season assignment of players to specific teams is the responsibility of the Director of Registration and the League Commissioner, who accomplish the assignment through established processes and by any player drafts established by the Board of Directors. This process (number of players a manager may keep, reassignment of players, etc.) will be clearly articulated by the Board of Directors at the Annual Managers meeting.

It is emphasized that protests are not encouraged and should only be filed after the
Division Commissioner has been consulted regarding the rule infraction and has had ample
chance to resolve the question(s) with the concerned Team Managers.

If a Team Manager evaluates a situation which occurs during the process of a game and
files an official protest, the following rules and procedures shall be used by the Game
Protest Committee (GPC) in reaching a decision regarding said protest.

10. a. Any Umpire’s judgment decision (call) on a particular pitch or play is NOT
        protestable.

b. Protests must be in writing and forwarded to the Division Commissioner
    within 48 hours of the incident.

c. Protests concerning rules of the game must be made at the point of the
    alleged infraction before the next pitch or runner is retired. Pertinent facts
    and circumstances will be accurately noted by the umpire.

d. If a game is played under protest, the scorebooks of both teams must be
    turned into the plate umpire at the conclusion of the game.

e. Protest and forfeiture claims will be considered and acted upon by the
    Game Protest Committee.

b. The Chairman will schedule the meeting of the GPC within one week of
    receipt of the protest.

c. It is mandatory that there be at least three voting members of the GPC
   present (whether permanent or temporary) to reach a final decision.

d. The Division Commissioner whose Team Manager is filing the protest is
    responsible for obtaining and presenting the following to the GPC:

1. Scorebooks of both involved teams.
2. Correspondence from involved Team Managers.
3. Other correspondence pertaining to the protest including the
    umpire’s statement.
4. The presence of both Team Managers for interview.

e. The Chairman shall excuse any member of the GPC who, in his/her
    judgment, is directly or indirectly affected by the decision of a protest and
    may appoint a replacement at his/her sole discretion.

f.  The Chairman shall allow the oral presentation of all evidence of the
    protesting Team Manager and all rebuttals by the other involved Team
    Manager.

g. The Chairman shall allow all members of the GPC who are present to
    comment relative to evidence, intent, etc., without the presence of the
    involved Team Managers.

h. The Chairman and involved Division Commissioner shall present the final
    decision of the GPC to both involved Team Managers.

 i. All written evidence, except scorebooks, including a statement of the final
   decision shall be passed to the Secretary for filing.

j.  The Chairman shall report the final decision to the Board of Directors at the
    next regularly scheduled meeting.

k. The President shall attend GPC meetings when possible in a non-voting
    status. The Chairman may appoint the President temporary voting member
    to break a tie vote or if less than three voting members are in attendance
    as outlined in 11. c.

1. Even if the GPC finds that the rules were violated, no replay of
    the game will  be ordered unless, in the opinion of the GPC, the
    violation affected the protesting team’s chance of winning the
    game.

m. Decisions of the GPC are final. There is NO appeal of the Game Protest
    Committee findings or rulings.

12. An exchange of lineups between Team Managers (or their designee) prior to the start of the game is mandatory.
     

13. Any decision by a Team Manager to withhold or withdraw a player for disciplinary reasons shall be reported to the opposing Manager and the Umpire either prior to the start of the game or during the game at the time the decision is made.

14. a. In the Farms and Major Divisions, each player must play at least every other
        inning in the field. (EXCEPTION: A Majors Division player having pitched
         4 or more innings may be allowed to remain on the bench, at the
         Manager’s discretion.) In the Farms and Majors Divisions, every player
        present must play and infield position at least two innings per game at one
        of the six (6) infield positions. However, the same player cannot play the same
        infield position for  more than 4 innings per game. Further rotation of players
        between infield and outfield positions is strongly encouraged.

15. a. Pitching rules apply to a period of one week. A week is defined, for the purposes
       of these rules, as Monday through Sunday. EXCEPTION: If opening day is on a
       Saturday or Sunday, they are considered part of the first full week of play.

b. In the Majors Division a player may not pitch more than 4 innings in one
   game. In the Farms Division, a player may not pitch more than 2 innings in
   any one calendar week and 1 inning per game. If a player throws one or
   more pitches in any inning, she shall be considered to have pitched a
   compete inning.

c. In both the Majors and Farms Divisions, a pitcher who has been substituted
    for may not return to the mound.

d .The HOME TEAM SCOREBOOK will be the official scorebook for the game.

e .The team scorebook must show the number of innings pitched during the
    week for each pitcher. This book can be checked by any Umpire and/or
    Director.

f. Innings pitched in tied or incomplete games will be charged against a
    pitcher’s eligibility for that week.

g.  Pitching in all divisions will be by underhand delivery. This softball program
    is a "fast pitch" league, and coaches should train girls in the windmill and
    butterfly techniques. In the Farms Division, a coach or manager from the
    team at bat will pitch in the first three (3) innings while a "pitcher-fielder"
    is positioned to his/her immediate left or right. The coach pitcher will not
    be permitted to assist or interfere on defense in any way or the batter will
    be called out, except to receive a throw in the pitching circle in order to
    end a play. A play is ended when a player in the field throws the ball to the
    coach pitcher in the pitching circle and the ball is then declared to be
    dead. At the umpire’s discretion, runners who have advanced more then
    halfway to the next base can continue their advance. Other runners must
    return to the previous base. ALSO, THE COACH PITCHER CANNOT COACH
    THE BATTER WHILE BATTING OR THE RUNNERS ON THE BASEPATHS AT
    ANYTIME. For the last 2 innings a player will pitch under the followings
    rules: a coach or manager from the team will be positioned behind the
    pitcher for relief pitching. After a player has thrown 4 “called” balls or hit a
    batter the “relief coach/manager will complete the pitching for that batter.
    Coach pitchers will not be allowed in the Junior divisions. A "player pitcher
    will pitch the 5th and 6th innings (and subsequent innings if time and
    conditions permit). Windmill pitching will be permitted in the Farms and
    Majors division. All "player-pitchers" must be in contact with the pitching
    rubber during the pitching motion.

h. Any pitcher who is on the pitching roster of any High, Junior, Middle, or
   other secondary school team is prohibited from pitching until the respective
   season is completed.

i. Violation of any of the above rules is a protestable offense, which could
   result in forfeiture  of the game.

j. A batter must attempt to get out of the way of a pitched ball before
   she will be awarded first base for being hit by a pitch in the Majors
   Division only. In the Farms Division. a batter will NOT be awarded first base
   if a pitch hits her.

k. If a pitcher hits three batters in a game, she will automatically be
   removed from pitching. She may continue to play in the game, but
   cannot pitch. This rule applies to the Farms and Majors Divisions.

l. Starting pitchers, and relief pitchers are allowed eight (8) warm-up pitches
   in their first inning of work. Pitchers are limited to five (5) warm-up pitches
   between innings thereafter.

m. Before starting the game, each Manager must notify the opposing Manager
    of pitcher eligibility and verify/sign each other’s scorebook at the end of
    the game.

n. Due to scheduling conflicts or any other unforeseen circumstances the
    League President or League Commissioner may waive or alter pitching
    eligibility rules for any game at any time prior to the start of the game.

16. a. In the FARMS DIVISION, a pitcher will not be allowed to pitch more than
       1 inning per game. In the majors DIVISION, a pitcher will not be allowed
       to pitch more than 4 innings per game in any game.

b. Balls and Strikes (with walks and strikeouts) will be called in the Majors
    Division, however only strikes (swinging and called) will be recorded in the
    Farms Division. Therefore, there are no walks recorded in the Farms
    Division but a batter will be out after three (3) strikes, unless the third
    strike is a foul ball. A tipped third strike that goes directly into the
    catcher's mitt and is caught will be considered a strikeout.

c. In the Majors Division a pitcher who walks or hits in any combination, 5
    consecutive batters must be removed from the mound. A pitcher who
    walks or hits, in any combination, 7 batters in any one inning must be
    removed from the mound.

17. Before the start of the game the plate Umpire must cover ground rules for the particular field with both Team Managers.
     

18. All equipment must be kept behind the team bench or backstop at all times. Team Managers are responsible to see that this rule is adhered to by all players and coaches.
     

19. Before the start of the game both teams will provide the plate Umpire with one new sortball. The plate Umpire and/or Director shall have the sole authority to determine when a new ball is put in play.
     

20. The regulation pitching distance between home plate and the pitching rubber for each division is: FARMS DIVISIONS 35 feet and MAJORS DIVISIONS, 40 feet.  Pitchers (or Coach Pitchers) will pitch from the pitching rubber appropriate for the division in which they are playing.
     

21. a. No one other than active players and umpires are permitted in fair territory until
       the ball is dead or an umpire calls time out. During play, coaches are not
       permitted to stand in foul territory behind home plate, behind the backstop or
       protective fence, nor in foul territory on either side of home plate. Only players,
       Team Managers, Coaches and Directors may request time out. This includes the
       carrying and Passing of batting helmets, etc.

b. No one other than players, the Team Manager, one scorekeeper, and a
    maximum of two adult assistant coaches are permitted on the team bench
    or in the area of the team bench. This area will be designated with white
    lines in order to clearly separate the team bench area from the designated
    spectator viewing area.

22. The on deck batter may take practice swings on level ground behind the backstop or protective fence and at a distance at least 10 feet from any other person, tree or man made structure. If these conditions cannot be satisfied behind the backstop or protective fence, the player my take practice swings 10' to 15' beyond the protective fence while wearing a batting helmet and facing the home plate area

23. a. Any ball hit in the air, outside of fair territory, is playable if:
    
            1. It is in front of the backstop and not beyond an imaginary line drawn
                between the team bench protective fence and the nearest point of the
                backstop.

e.1. A batted ball hit on the fly in the right field bushes is a home run.

e.2 A batted ball which rolls into the bushes in right field is a ground rule
     triple.

e.3 A batted ball rolling to left of the bushes in right field out of the regular
     playing field is considered a ground rule triple.

e.4 When the fence is in place, any ball hit over, under, through, or bouncing
     over the fence (including bouncing off the fielder) will be considered a
     home run.

f.1 A fly ball hit onto the embankment in the left and left center field is a
     home run.

f.2 A fly ball hit into the left field corner beyond the footpath is a home run.

f.3 A batted ball rolling into the muddy or grassy areas in left and left center
     to the left of the marker is a ground rule double. A ball batted to the right
     of the marker is a home run.

f.4 A fly ball may be caught for an out only at the base of the bank.

f.5 A fair ball hit down the right field line, coming to a rest in the grassy,
     uncut area and beyond the tree line is a ground rule double.

f.6 A fly ball that hits part of any tree on the right field side in foul territory
     shall be declared a foul ball and become a dead ball. A fly ball that hits
     part of any tree in fair territory in right field shall be considered a dead
     ball. (The batter will not be charged with a strike, an out, or be awarded
     a base.) Once the ball has been determined to be a dead ball, no action
     can occur on that play until the umpire puts a ball in play.

f7 A thrown ball that hits the screen at first or third base is considered as
    having gone into the woods and is out of play. One additional base shall be
    awarded.
 

CHAPMAN SCHOOL GROUND RULES (ALL FIELDS)

g.1 Any hit or thrown ball that comes into contact with a player from an
     adjacent field will be declared a dead ball. The umpire will award the
     batter and/or runners the appropriate number of bases which in his/her
     judgement, they would have reached safely had this contact not
     occurred. There may be no appeal of this ruling.
 

CHAPMAN SCHOOL GROUND RULES (FIELD C)

h.1 Any fly ball hitting the man made playground surface in center field and
     right field shall be declared a home run. Any other hit (ground ball or by
     any other means) shall be declared a double with no further action
     permitted on the play.

h.2 In the interest of safety, any ball that traverses the fence and comes to
     rest on Rt.10/Highland Ave. must not be retrieved by any player, coach,
     spectator, umpire, director, or other individual connected to Cheshire
     Youth Baseball in any way.

None.

32. The balk rules do not apply in any Division.

33. a When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher’s rubber and in possession of the
       ball, and the catcher is in the catcher’s box ready to receive delivery of the ball,
       base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and
       reaches the batter. AFTER ONE TEAM WARNING FROM THE UMPIRE violation of
       this rule will result in the runner leaving early being called out and the ball
       becoming "dead" with all subsequent action on that pitch being canceled. This
       rule applies to the Majors, Minors, Rookie 8 and rookie 7 Divisions. FIRST TEAM
       VIOLATION: as above, with the exception that the player leaving early is sent
       back to the base from which she left early.

b. Once the pitcher has possession of the ball within the designated pitching
    circle, a runner cannot advance to the next base, unless the runner is
    more than half way. The umpire is permitted to call a runner back.

35. A batter-runner cannot be tagged out after over-running first base if said batter-runner returns immediately to the base. The batter-runner can turn left or right when overrunning first base. If after running or sliding over first base, a runner starts towards the dugout or toward a position, and fails to return to first base at once, said runner is out on appeal when the runner of base is tagged.
     

36. Intentional walks are NOT allowed in the Junior Divisions.
     

37. When an accident incapacitates a player an Umpire or Director may immediately call time out, and the ball becomes "dead". Runners will be placed on the base that they were closest to when time was called.

IN ORDER TO PROMOTE SPORTSMANSHIP ON THE FIELD OF PLAY, IN ALL GAMES UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF CHESHIRE YOUTH BASEBALL, THE FOLLOWING RULES HAVE BEEN INSTITUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL PLAYERS, PARENTS, COACHES, TEAM MANAGERS, AND UMPIRES. ALL OF THESE RULES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!
 

38. a. Managers, Coaches, players, and spectators are not allowed to intentionally try
       to influence an Umpire’s call through verbal or physical intimidation. Violation will
       result in ejection from the game.

b. Spectators are not allowed to intentionally try and influence an umpire’s
    call through verbal or physical intimidation. Any violation will result in the
    removal from the field. The umpire should warn the offending teams
    manager that if the spectator does not cease the game will be forfeited. It
    will be the responsibility of the offending teams manager to inform the
    spectator of the potential forfeit.

39.  a. Swearing and/or the throwing of equipment will not be tolerated. Violation will
        result in ejection from the game.

b. Any member of the Cheshire Youth Baseball League who engages in fighting
   (or threatening thereto) shall be immediately ejected from the game by an
   Umpire and/or Director. Automatic suspension for the next game.
   Suspension and/or total exclusion from further participation in the program
   may ensue should the Board of Directors so decide.

c. Any Coach or Manager swearing or throwing equipment will not be
   tolerated. Violation will result in the ejection from the game. Automatic next
   game suspension. Automatic review by the Division Commissioner, League
   Commissioner and League President to determine if the Coach or the
   manager should be removed from the league.

40. No consumption of tobacco products or alcoholic beverages by Directors, Managers, Coaches, or Umpires on the field or in the dugout area while performing their official CYB responsibilities will be allowed. This rule holds true for practice sessions as well as game conditions.
     

41. Only the Team Manager, or acting Team Manager, can discuss rule interpretations or game conditions with the Umpire.
     

42. It should be noted that all players are encouraged to support their own team members, but all cheering should be within the limits of good sportsmanship. Unusually loud, boisterous or extreme noise which, in the opinion of the Umpire or Director, has a disturbing effect upon members of the opposing team or general conduct of the game is prohibited. This rule will be implemented as follows:

a. Appeal to Umpire by Team Manager or Director. (The Umpire may also
    implement this rule without appeal).

b. Warning will be given by Umpire and/or Director to the Team Manager of
    the offending team.

c. If, after one warning, the offending team or individual should fail to desist,
    the game may be declared a forfeit by the Umpire and/or Director. The
    circumstances, which necessitated the forfeit, will be forwarded to the
    Division Commissioner within 48 hours. Further disciplinary action may be
    taken by the Board of Directors.

43. No Team Manager, Coach, or player shall deliberately distract an opposing player in any manner. After one warning from the Umpire the guilty party shall be ejected from the game.
     

44. All spectators must be controlled as much as possible by the Team Managers, Coaches, Players, Umpires, and Directors. Interference by spectators can result in termination of a game and potential forfeiture.
     

45. Any Team Manager, Coach or Player who is ejected from a game by an Umpire or Director shall have his/her name reported within 24 hours to the Division Commissioner, who will contact the ejected party for possible disciplinary action as directed by the League Commissioner. Two ejections of an individual during the season may prohibit further participation in the program as determined by the Board of Directors.
     

46. During games, team managers and umpires for all divisions must have CYB and other appropriate Official Baseball Rules in their possession at all times.
     

47. The team manager may designate two base coaches when his/her team is at bat. It is encouraged that these base coaches be adults but youth coaches may be used if they are at least 12 years of age (by League definition). All youth coaches (age 12-16) must wear a batting helmet when coaching at first or third base.

48. a. Players are grouped by age into the following Divisions:

AGE                             DIVISION
5- 6 year olds          Instructional Farms
7- 8  year olds         Farms
9 year olds              Farms
9-10 year olds          Majors
11-12 year olds        Majors
13-14 year olds        Senior

IN EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES, ANY AGE RULE MAY BE WAIVED BY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE RESPECTIVE DIVISION COMMISSIONERS AND THE LEAGUE COMMISSIONER AT THEIR SOLE DISCRETION.

49. Loaning of players between teams is not permitted.
     

50. Borrowing of players is prohibited.
     

51. In the FARMS and MAJORS Divisions a team must play ten players when possible, four of who must be outfielders. Outfielders must be positioned at least 10 feet from the outside edge of the infield. If one team can only field 9 players, the opposing team can still play 10. If one team can only field 8 players, the opposing team can play no more than 9 players. Each team must have a catcher. (Also see Rule 49.)
     

52. In the Senior Division, 9 players constitute a full team. If one team can only field 8 players, the opposing team can still field 9 players. (Also see Rule 49.) A forfeit will result if a team is unable to field at least eight (8) players for the entire game.
     

53. It is mandatory to employ a CONTINUOUS BATTING ORDER. The original order must be maintained for the entire game. Late arriving players must be inserted at the end of the original batting order.

54. a. All players must wear a protective helmet at the plate, on deck, and when
        running bases. This rule is in effect for both games and practices.

b. In order to participate in CYB games all players must wear the complete
    uniform as provided by CYB. Special uniforms are not permitted. If a
    uniform of appropriate size is not available, a substitute uniform may be
    worn until the League is able to procure a properly sized uniform.

55. Catchers must wear all catchers’ equipment as provided by CYB, or equivalent, and MUST wear personal protective equipment, as necessary, which is furnished by the player. This rule is in effect for both games and practices.
     

56. Metallic cleats/spikes are not permitted in the Girls' Softball League.
     

57. Only one on-deck batter is permitted, and she must wear protective head gear.
    
    ALL PLAYERS NOT ON THE FIELD, AT BAT, ON DECK, OR WARMING UP A PITCHER MUST BE SEATED ON THE BENCH. THIS MUST BE ENFORCED BY THE TEAM MANAGER.
     

58. All players warming up a pitcher must wear a facemask with protective headgear. There must be an additional player or coach guarding against errant balls hitting players warming up.
     

59. Warming up of pitchers (bullpen) and other players will take place well away from team benches and spectators.
     

60. THE TEAM MANAGER OF THE WINNING TEAM MUST REPORT THE GAME SCORE TO THE DIVISION COMMISSIONER WITHIN 24 HOURS. INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT ARE THE NAMES OF ALL PITCHERS AND THE NUMBER OF INNINGS PITCHED FOR THE PITCHERS OF EACH TEAM.
     

61. Both Managers, at the conclusion of each game, must review each other’s scorebook in order to confirm the score and the names of all the pitchers as well as the number of innings each pitched. Managers must sign each other’s scorebooks.

60. A team’s standing is determined by the number of points accumulated through wins, ties and losses. Each win is worth two points, and each tie is worth one point. The team with the highest point total will be the first place team, the second highest will be the second place team, etc. Note: If there is a tie for first place according to the points accumulated system, both or all teams tied will be declared regular season champions.
     

61. At the conclusion of the regular season all teams will participate in a single elimination play-off tournament to determine Division Champions. Positions or rankings in this tournament will be assigned at random by a method determined by the Board of Directors.
     

62. Pitching rules for the play-off games and the championship games are identical to the regular season pitching rules.
     

63. Unofficial playoff games not completed due to darkness or weather, will be suspended and completed at a later date, which will be determined by the director of Scheduling. The game will restart at the point at which the game was suspended. If the game is official and called due to weather or darkness, then the team ahead wins unless the home team is behind; then the scored reverts to the previous inning.
     

64. The play-off format will be determined by the Board of Directors.

For all play-off games, including the championship games, the home team will be determined by a coin toss.